Updated October 2026
An email address on your own domain (you@yourbusiness.com) looks more professional than a free personal account, and Zoho Mail is one of the few providers with a genuinely free business plan. Here’s what it includes, where it falls short, and how to decide.
Zoho Mail plans at a glance
| Plan | Price | Storage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forever Free | $0, up to 5 users | 5 GB per user | One domain; 25 MB attachments; web and Zoho apps only |
| Mail Lite | From $1 per user per month, billed annually | 5 GB or 10 GB per user | Adds IMAP and POP access and more admin features |
| Mail Premium | $4 per user per month, billed annually | 50 GB per user plus archiving | Retention and eDiscovery |
Prices and features change, so confirm on Zoho’s pricing page before you sign up.
The free plan’s real limits
- Up to five users, and one custom domain.
- No IMAP, POP or ActiveSync, so you can’t use Outlook or your phone’s built-in mail app; you use Zoho’s webmail and mobile apps instead.
- 5 GB per mailbox fills up faster if you send large attachments.
- Availability varies by region; the free plan is offered in some of Zoho’s data centers.
For a small team that’s happy using Zoho’s apps, the free plan can work well for years.
How to set up Zoho Mail with your domain
- Sign up for a business account and choose to use your own domain.
- Verify your domain by adding a record at your domain provider.
- Add MX records so mail is delivered to Zoho.
- Add SPF and DKIM records so your mail isn’t marked as spam.
- Create mailboxes for your team.
Our guide to setting up business email explains each record.
Alternatives to compare
- Email included with your hosting plan, often the simplest option if your host provides it.
- Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, paid per user with office apps included.
- Other business email providers with low-cost plans.
Frequently asked questions
Is Zoho Mail really free for business?
Yes, for up to five users with 5 GB each and one domain, using Zoho’s webmail and apps.
Can I use Zoho Mail free with Outlook?
Not on the free plan; IMAP, POP and ActiveSync require a paid plan.
Do I need my own domain?
Yes, for business email addresses. Launch your business online shows how to get one.
How Advanton helps
Advanton is a free resource that helps small businesses start, get online, find customers and grow. Free tools that help here: launch your business online, our guide to setting up business email, the online presence checkup. You can also list your business in the Advanton business directory for free.
There’s no contract and nothing to sign up for to read our guides or use the tools. Advanton earns money when you buy a domain or hosting through our store, which helps keep everything else free.
Sources
Last reviewed October 29, 2026. Startup costs are estimates; check local prices, licensing and tax rules before you commit money.
